TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Former Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Minister Nadiem Makarim expressed his disappointment over the 18-year prison sentence sought by prosecutors in the alleged corruption scandal involving the procurement of Chromebooks and Chrome Device Management (CDM).
"This is a very, very, very disappointing day. There are perhaps no words to describe my feelings," Nadiem told reporters following the trial at the Central Jakarta District Court on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Nadiem argued that he is effectively facing a 27-year prison term. This calculation includes an additional nine-year sentence that would be imposed should he fail to pay the massive restitution demanded by the prosecution.
The founder of homegrown ride-hailing company PT Gojek Indonesia stated that he does not possess the Rp5.6 trillion required by the prosecutors. "The demanded compensation far exceeds my wealth. So, it is easy to see that I am automatically sentenced to 27 years by the prosecutor," he said.
Nadiem maintained there is no element of corruption in his case and questioned the severity of the prosecutors' demands. "So I'm confused, why? Why is my sentence greater than that of a murderer? Why is my sentence greater than that of a terrorist?" he said.
Despite the legal battle, the former member of President Joko Widodo’s cabinet claimed he does not regret joining the government. He described the ministerial position offered at the time as a mandate he could not refuse.
"It's clear that I am disappointed. I am heartbroken. One can only be heartbroken if they love the country," he said. "The fact that the state could do this to me after all my dedication—yes, I am heartbroken."
Nadiem clarified that his distress does not equate to a loss of patriotism. "On the contrary, my heart is broken because I love this country. So, no, I do not regret it," he added.
In their indictment, prosecutors allege that Nadiem committed corruption in concert with co-defendants Ibrahim Arief (alias Ibam), Mulyatsyah, Sri Wahyuningsih, and Jurist Tan. The prosecution has formally requested the panel of judges to hand down an 18-year prison sentence.
Furthermore, Nadiem faces a Rp1 billion fine or an additional 190 days of incarceration. Prosecutors are also seeking restitution totaling Rp5.6 trillion, comprising specific claims of Rp809.59 billion and Rp4.87 trillion, to cover the alleged losses.
Riani Sanusi Putri contributed to this report
Read: Nadiem Makarim Faces 18-Year Sentence in Chromebook Case
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Nadiem Makarim Faces 18-Year Sentence in Chromebook Case
2 jam lalu
Prosecutors demand an 18-year prison sentence for former minister Nadiem Makarim over alleged corruption in the Chromebook procurement project.
Nadiem Makarim Seeks Acquittal in Chromebook Corruption Case
6 jam lalu
Former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Makarim, will attend a trial hearing in the Chromebook laptop procurement corruption case at the Central Jakarta District Court.
Chromebook Graft Case: Ex-Minister Nadiem Makarim Put Under House Arrest
1 hari lalu
The judge has granted the transfer of Nadiem Makarim's detention from the detention center to house arrest for health recovery.
The Stakes in the Laptop Procurement Case
6 hari lalu
The Chromebook case trial shows the inconsistency of the prosecution's indictments. The education budget is at stake.
New Testimony in Nadiem's Alleged Chromebook Corruption Case
6 hari lalu
Judges extended the trial of Nadiem Makarim in the Chromebook corruption case. Former Google executives testified.
Nadiem Makarim Trial Delayed Over Illness, Lawyers Skip Hearing
20 hari lalu
Nadiem Makarim's lawyer explains the reasons for not attending the trial of the alleged corruption case in the procurement of Chromebooks. Disagreement with the presence of witnesses and experts.
Nadiem Makarim Asks Court to Summon Six Witnesses in Chromebook Case
29 hari lalu
The former Minister of Education Nadiem Makarim requested prosecutors to bring six witnesses to the trial of the Chromebook corruption case, but the prosecution deemed that the existing evidence is sufficient.
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesia Negotiates to Release Two Pertamina Tankers in Strait of Hormuz
6 Maret 2026
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Chromebook Graft Case: Former Nadiem Staff Says She Earned Rp50 Million a Month
28 Januari 2026
Former staff member of Nadiem Makarim, Fiona Handayani, admitted to receiving a salary of Rp50 million per month while serving as a special staff.
Chromebook Graft Case: Nadiem Denies Meeting Google
27 Januari 2026
Defendant in the corruption case surrounding the procurement of Chromebook-based laptops, Nadiem Makarim, denied the testimony of witness from Google.
